Grand Velas Los Cabos vs Ocean El Faro
Velas Resorts vs Ocean by H10 Hotels — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Ocean El Faro |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.7 | 8.1 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 307 | — |
| Restaurants | 7 | 11 |
| Pools | 4 | 7 |
| Year Opened | 2016 | 2019 |
| Year Renovated | — | — |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Ocean El Faro |
|---|---|---|
| All-Inclusive | Yes | Yes |
| Adults Only | No | No |
| Beach Access | Yes | Yes |
| Spa | Yes | Yes |
| Kids Club | Yes | Yes |
Dining Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Ocean El Faro |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 11 | 26 |
| Included | 11 | 24 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 2 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Ocean El Faro |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 11 | 13 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 13 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Ocean El Faro |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 27 | 24 |
| Included | 18 | 19 |
| Extra Charge | 9 | 5 |
Pros & Cons
Grand Velas Los Cabos
Pros
- The only all-inclusive in the world simultaneously holding Forbes Five Stars, AAA Five Diamonds, and a MICHELIN-starred restaurant — a genuine distinction, not a marketing claim
- Cocina de Autor's 8-10 course tasting menu with wine pairing is fully included in the all-inclusive rate — at a standalone restaurant this would cost hundreds per person
- Every suite starts at 1,081 sq ft with ocean views, private terrace jacuzzi, and 24-hour butler concierge — the entry suite here exceeds most competitors' top categories
- Three-tier infinity pools naturally segregate family, activity, and adult-only zones without restricting access — practical design rather than strict policy
Cons
- Beach is not swimmable — Los Cabos Pacific currents make ocean swimming dangerous; the infinity pools are where guests actually swim
- Cocina de Autor is restricted to adults and guests 18+ — families with younger children can't access the MICHELIN-starred restaurant during their stay
- Rates start around $1,600/night in low season and $1,800+ in peak winter — a significant commitment that requires being genuinely invested in the Five Diamond experience to justify
Ocean El Faro
Pros
- The colonial lighthouse bar (El Faro) is architecturally distinctive — there is no equivalent bar structure at any other Punta Cana resort.
- A professional bowling alley on-property is genuinely unusual for Uvero Alto and provides an activity option on rainy days.
- The El Beso adults-only section provides real separation from family zones — dedicated pool, restaurant, and a quieter room environment.
Cons
- Standard à la carte reservation slots fill quickly and getting a table is the most consistent guest complaint — Privilege tier significantly mitigates this, but it costs more.
- The main beach is rocky in sections with wave action; the calmer bay swimming area is not immediately obvious and guests don't always find it.
- The lazy river floats run short during peak occupancy — bringing your own inflatable is the workaround guests repeatedly recommend.
Summary
Grand Velas Los Cabos has a higher guest rating, while Ocean El Faro has more restaurants, while Ocean El Faro has more dining venues, while Grand Velas Los Cabos offers more activities.